**Detailed Breakdown of The Karnataka Conduct of Government Litigation Act, 2023: Provisions, Procedures, and Responsibilities**
Below is a detailed breakdown of all provisions of the Karnataka Conduct of Government Litigation Act, 2023, covering suits, appeals, applications, and responsibilities. https://dpal.karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/28of2023(E)ConductofLitigation.pdf
Detailed Breakdown of The Karnataka Conduct of Government Litigation Act, 2023
Chapter I – Preliminary
1. Short title, commencement, and application
- The Act is called The Karnataka Conduct of Government Litigation Act, 2023.
- It applies to litigation involving the Government of Karnataka.
- Came into force on July 27, 2023.
2. Exemptions
- This Act does not apply to cases under the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961.
3. Definitions
- Case – Any proceeding involving the government before a court or tribunal.
- Departmental Secretary – The officer in charge of government litigation matters.
- Litigation Conducting Officer – The officer responsible for handling a case.
- State Level Committee – A committee overseeing government legal cases.
- Legal Cell – A dedicated unit in each department for litigation management.
Chapter II – Cases Filed by the Government
4. Government Permission for Institution of Cases
- No case can be filed without prior approval from the government.
5. Procedure for Filing Cases
- An officer must submit a detailed report before initiating litigation.
- The report should include:
- Case history
- Facts and legal basis
- Financial impact
- Evidence and previous litigation records
6. Sanction for Prosecution
- The Legal Cell must review and approve cases before filing.
- The Law Department must sanction prosecution if required.
7. Preparation of Plaint
- The Litigation Conducting Officer must work with legal experts to draft plaints and petitions.
8. Procedure After Case Filing
- The Law Officer must send case details to concerned government departments.
9. Responsibilities of the Litigation Conducting Officer
- Ensure regular updates on the case.
- Seek injunctions or stay orders when required.
- Provide necessary documents for case proceedings.
10. Urgent Cases
- In emergencies, cases can be filed without prior approval.
- However, post-filing approval must be obtained.
11. Response to Civil Procedure Code Section 80 Notices
- The government must respond within 60 days to notices issued under Section 80 CPC.
12. Examination of Claims Against the Government
- Legal claims must be examined within 60 days of receipt.
Chapter III – Cases Filed Against the Government
13. Writ Petitions Against the Government
- Cases must be reviewed by the Law Department before preparing a defense.
14. Summons and Appearance
- The government must immediately assign a Law Officer upon receiving a summons.
15. Preparing a Defense Statement
- Government must submit written objections and counterarguments.
- If multiple departments are involved, a common defense statement is prepared.
16. Sanction for Defense
- The Law Secretary must approve the defense before filing court responses.
17. Approval of Government Defense
- The Law Officer must submit a draft for approval before filing a response.
18. Duties of the Law Officer
- Examine all legal aspects of the case.
- Ensure all possible defenses are raised.
- File legal documents on time to avoid ex-parte judgments.
19. Role of the Law Secretary
- Ensure proper case handling and legal accuracy.
- Avoid unnecessary admissions that may harm the government.
20. Responsibilities of the Litigation Conducting Officer
- Provide documents, facts, and witnesses for the trial.
- Ensure timely responses to court orders.
Chapter IV – Conduct of Cases
21. Framing of Issues
- Ensure that courts frame all necessary legal issues before trial.
22. Assistance During Trial
- Government officers must assist the Law Officer in presenting cases.
23. Production and Custody of Documents
- Documents must be produced without delay.
- Certified copies should be submitted when possible.
24. Witness Handling
- The Law Officer must prepare a list of witnesses.
- The government must ensure witness attendance.
25. Examination on Commission
- Government may request examination of evidence outside court when required.
26. Safeguarding Government Interest
- No compromises or admissions should be made without legal approval.
27. Certified Copies of Judgments
- Law Officers must obtain certified copies of judgments immediately.
Chapter V – Appeals, Reviews, and Revisions
28. Appealable Cases
- Appeals must be filed within the limitation period if a case affects:
- Government property
- Public funds
- Policy matters
29. Government Appeals
- The Litigation Conducting Officer must ensure timely appeals.
- Appeals must include a stay application when necessary.
30. Appeals Against the Government
- If a judgment adversely affects the state, a review must be conducted before appealing.
Chapter VI – Supreme Court Litigation
31. Cases Filed by the Government in Supreme Court
- Appeals must be authorized by the Law Secretary.
32. Government Defense in Supreme Court Cases
- The Advocate General coordinates Supreme Court cases.
Chapter VII – Land Acquisition Cases
33. Handling Compensation Claims
- Land acquisition disputes are handled by the Revenue Department.
34. Appeals Against Land Acquisition Awards
- Appeals must be filed if compensation awards exceed government valuation.
Chapter VIII – Motor Accident Claims Against the Government
35. Procedure in Accident Claims
- The State Insurance Department manages accident liability cases.
Chapter IX – Execution of Decrees Against the Government
36. Execution of Decrees
- The government must comply with court decrees promptly.
37. Avoiding Attachment of Government Property
- Proactive steps must be taken to prevent seizure of government assets.
Chapter X – Criminal Cases Against Government Officials
38. Duties of Government Prosecutors
- Ensure proper legal representation in criminal cases.
39. Appeals in Criminal Cases
- Appeals must be carefully reviewed before filing.
Key Takeaways
- The Act ensures efficient case management in government litigation.
- Strict approval mechanisms exist for filing and defending cases.
- Timely action is required to protect government interests.
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